Ahmad Hardy will make season debut vs. Arkansas, per report
By Ethan Stone
Published:
He’s back.
According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Thursday, star Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy will make his season debut against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Hardy has been in recovery from a gunshot wound (upper leg) he suffered at a concert in May.
Hardy is not expected to start, but will instead receive a “handful of carries” against a Razorbacks defense that is allowing 144 rushing yards per game, ranked 13th in the SEC.
It goes without saying: this is massive, massive news for the Tigers, who are still in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff at 5-2 on the season. When healthy, Hardy is a game-changing player.
Hardy was arguably the best running back in college football last season, leading the Power 4 in rushing yards and rushing yards per game. He finished with 16 rushing touchdowns and an incredible 6.44 yards per carry despite ranking 8th nationally in attempts.
As suggested in the report, it would be smart of Mizzou to ease Hardy back into action as they’ve been doing this season. Jamal Roberts has been elite in Hardy’s stead, as he currently leads the SEC in rushing yards per game, ranks 2nd in rushing yards and 3rd in touchdowns.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
